Population Characteristics of the European Lobster, Homarus gammarus in the Adriatic Sea: Implications for Sustainable Fisheries Management

The European lobster, Homarus gammarus, was sampled from September 2016 to August 2017, using pots and gillnets in the Eastern Adriatic Sea. Official landings were also analyzed (2008–2020). majority of Northern showed an increase 18.5% over study period. Results revealed extremely low catch rate that fluctuated significantly by season. Dominance specimens size classes 90–110 mm carapace length (CL) observed. Experimental design spatial heterogeneity, with larger individuals caught further coast (>3 nm) undersized near (<3 nm). With increasing CL total (TL), weight higher males than females. TL abdomen width (AW) increased linearly more pronounced At 80 CL, females started develop secondary sex characteristics wider AW males. results suggest modern legal framework is appropriate for lobster fisheries a longer fishing season not advisable, despite positive trend northern part sea. Additional efforts are desirable reduce pressure coastal part. morphometric relationships could reveal population required as inputs stock assessment analysis effective management.